Wichita abortion violence cited in stalking case

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Attorneys for the woman who opened an abortion clinic in Wichita have cited the city’s decades-long history of anti-abortion violence in a case seeking to protect her from a pastor.

Trust Women founder Julie Burkhart wants to make a protection from stalking order against Mark Holick permanent. A Thursday hearing on the request was delayed.

Holick is accused of picketing Burkhart’s home and handing out “wanted-style” fliers with Burkhart’s address. He also allegedly held a sign that read, “Where’s your church?”

Holick contends his actions are protected under the First Amendment.

A new filing calls Holick’s statements incitements to violence.

The Trust Women clinic opened in the building that housed a clinic run by Dr. George Tiller, who was gunned down in 2009 at his church by an abortion opponent.